Scientific Processes

Question 1

What is an aim?

Answer 1

A statement of the study’s purpose. Research states its aim beforehand.

Question 2

What is a hypotheses?

Answer 2

A precise and testable statement of the predicted relationships between variables

Question 3

What are the 3 types of hypothesis?

Answer 3

Research, directional and non-directional

Question 4

What are the definitions for 3 types of hypothesis?

Answer 4

• RESEARCH: if a non-experimental method is used
• DIRECTIONAL: predicts the nature of the effect of the IV on the DV (can be identified by a qualifying term e.g. higher/lower)
• NON-DIRECTIONAL: predicts there is a relationship/difference between conditions

Question 5

What is meant when variables are operationalised?

Answer 5

Operationalisation determines exactly how concepts are defined and actioned within a study.

Question 6

What is the Independent Variable (IV)?

Answer 6

What is manipulated by the researcher

Question 7

What is the Dependent Variable (DV)?

Answer 7

The DV is measured for changes caused by the IV

Question 8

What are pilot studies?

Answer 8

A small scale trial run of a study to test any aspects of a design with a view to making improvements and to increase reliability. Problems can be tackled beforehand – could save wasting time and money

Question 9

When will a sample need to be made?

Answer 9

When it’s unlikely to be able to the test the entire target group (the part of the population you want to study)

Question 10

What is random sampling?

Answer 10

Every member of the target group has equal chance of selection e.g. all potential participants are numbered – random program selects no’s. or ‘names in a hat’

Question 11

What are the strengths of random sampling?

Answer 11

Likely to be representative as bias is avoided

Question 12

What are the weaknesses of random sampling?

Answer 12

It’s not possible to identify all potential members. Therefore there’s no guarantee that it will be random

Question 13

What is opportunity sampling?

Answer 13

Researcher samples whoever is available and willing to take part

Question 14

What are the strengths of opportunity sampling?

Answer 14

Practical, quick and convenient

Question 15

What are the limitations of opportunity sampling?

Answer 15

Unlikely to be representative as we cannot confidently generalise the findings

Question 16

What is volunteer sampling?

Answer 16

Participants respond to a request advertising research

Question 17

What are the strengths of volunteer sampling?

Answer 17

It can produce large samples if the research request is broadly cast through a variety of sources

Question 18

What are the weaknesses of volunteer sampling?

Answer 18

It’s unlikely to be representative as there is a debate as to whether volunteers are more co-operative than the rest of the target group

Question 19

What are the 3 types of experimental design?

Answer 19

Independent groups design, repeated measures design and matched pairs design

Question 20

What is an independent groups design?

Answer 20

Each participant only undertakes one condition - either the IV or the control

Question 21

What are the strengths of independent groups design?

Answer 21

There is no risk of ORDER EFFECTS or DEMAND CHARACTERISTICS because each participants undertakes one condition

Question 22

What are the weaknesses of independent groups design?

Answer 22

• There may be bias in the characteristics or abilities of participants that affects performance on conditions
• More participants are needed than repeated measures

Question 23

What is a counter measure of independent groups design?

Answer 23

Participants should be randomly allocated to the conditions

Question 24

What is a repeated measures group design?

Answer 24

Participants experience each condition

Question 25

What are the strengths of repeated measures group design?

Answer 25

• As participants act as their own control, individual differences are controlled
• More economic than independent groups design

Question 26

What are the weaknesses of repeated measures group design?

Answer 26

There are ORDER EFFECTS as the 2nd condition maybe either benefitted by practice or undermined by boredom.

Question 27

What are the counter measures for repeated measures group design?

Answer 27

Counterbalancing: each condition is tested first or second in equal amounts

Question 28

What is matched pairs groups design?

Answer 28

• Two different groups
• Participants with a relevant and similar characteristics are paired on that certain variable
• One member of each pair has to be placed in each condition

Question 29

What are the strengths of matched pairs groups design?

Answer 29

-No risk of ORDER EFFECTS and reduced risk of DEMAND CHARACTERISTICS as each participant undertakes one condition.

Question 30

What are the weaknesses of matched pairs groups design?

Answer 30

• It can be TIME CONSUMING and COSTLY to match participants.

- Samples may be small which puts into question the RELIABILITY

Question 31

What is a counter measure for matched pairs groups design?

Answer 31

A pilot study may need to be conducted to identify key variables

Question 32

Which type of interviews are associated with open or closed questions?

Answer 32

• Open questions = unstructured interview

- Closed questions = structured interview

Question 33

What are unstructured interviews w/ open questions suitable for gaining?

Answer 33

• Personal info.
• Maximising of participant involvement
• When it’s not of importance to compare responses

Question 34

What are structured interviews w/ closed questions suitable for?

Answer 34

• Obtaining data that is easy to analyse
• Comparing responses
• To make clear ideas of the questions you want answered

Question 35

How must questions be designed?

Answer 35

• They must operationalise concepts in a valid way
• Decisions need to made about whether the questions should be open or closed
• Whether there is a fixed choice: the respondent is provided with a range of responses rather than give their own
• Whether to include likert scales - 5-point scale from strongly disagree to strongly agree

Question 36

What factors must be taken into account when writing a good question?

Answer 36

• CLARITY: The reader needs to understand what they’re being asked
• BIAS: Emotive questions should be avoided because they make people defensive and result in answers that are not true
• SEQUENCE: Starting with easier questions and progressing into more difficult ones eases the participant into the survey

Question 37

What are the 4 processes involved in content analysis?

Answer 37

• Techniques for the systematic, objective description and classification of images, written or spoken communications e.g. newspapers, TV, film etc.
• The same initial processes apply to content analysis as other methods. The hypothesis must be operationalised, in this case categories into which the content maybe placed or coded.
• The sample may form the context of communication so this must be carefully considered – as perception of its intended audience relates to the presentation of its content.
• It maybe desirable to have more than one person coding the information

Question 38

What is the BPS Code of Ethics?

Answer 38

• RESPECT INDIVIDUAL AND CULTURAL DIFFERENCES
• COMPETENCE: researcher should have experience to deal with ethical issues
• Participants should give INFORMED CONSENT
• DECEPTION should be used if participants can’t give informed consent
• DISCOMFORT AND DISTRESS: no physical or psychological risk to participants
• CONFIDENTIALITY: Participants details should be kept private
• RIGHT TO WITHDRAW
• DEBRIEFING: Participants should be given a full account of the aims and feedback at the end of the study
• PRIVACY: Observational techniques require an element of privacy for the participant